Veteran striker Yoshito Okubo was handed a shock recall to the national team, having not appeared on the international stage since February 2012.

Okubo's selection was questioned despite topping the J.League charts last season with 27 goals, while he has already netted eight this campaign.

But the Kawasaki Frontale front man has the chance to justify his inclusion and stake his claim for a starting spot in Brazil with a good showing against Cyprus.

The 31-year-old will also take confidence from Zaccheroni's comments at Japan's squad announcement almost a fortnight ago.

"The real surprise should be that he has chosen Kagawa, who scored no goals in the Premier League, and (Yoichiro) Kakitani, who's scored just once so far in the J. League," said the Italian.

"If this was a country like Brazil, Kagawa and Kakitani would not have been picked. And if they were, there would be a storm of boos."

Tuesday's clash is the first of three games before the World Cup, with matches against Costa Rica and Zambia set to follow during Japan's training camp in Florida.

Japan, who have won their past two friendlies against Belgium (3-2) and New Zealand (4-2), should get the job done against an undermanned Cyprus.

Not only does coach Pambos Christodoulou have to contend with a lengthy trip to the Far East, he will also be without several key players for the first-ever competitive senior meeting between the two teams.